Stories
Real people. Inspiring stories.
Ryan Wood
Sometimes life throws us off balance (quite literally!), but it’s the journey of recovery that truly tests our strength. We always say that the best surgery is no surgery and for Ryan, choosing non-surgery was a leap of faith—fueled by determination, healthy living, and Spartan grit. Through lunges and laughs, every setback became a setup for a comeback.
Charles Cox
Meet Charles, a hard working father, grandfather and neighbor who has been experiencing back pain for 6 years. Charles fought surgery for a long time, working with our partners in the community to try to diminish the pain and heal with non-surgical options. However, Charles decided that he no longer wanted to live in pain. Post surgery Charles is traveling, exercising and enjoying his life again. We are lucky to know someone as wonderful as he is.
Jim Burton
‘I forget I’ve even had it. I have to remind myself that I just had back surgery. Don’t do nothing stupid.’
We love seeing Jim get back to his old… or maybe his young 20-year-old self again, feeling rejuvenated and back to training horses, driving trucks, and running heavy equipment. Jim’s love of life is what we all hope to have.
Kim Crowley
Meet Kim Crowley, a lifelong adventurer who found love on the slopes and overcame back pain with the Karma procedure by Dr. Brian Anderson. Her inspiring journey from marathon runner to pain-free living highlights the transformative power of innovative healthcare.
Tory Brownlow
Meet Tory, a dedicated nurse practitioner and an inspiring bodybuilder. In this video, we celebrate Tory’s remarkable journey, balancing her vital role in the OR with her passion for bodybuilding. Discover how Tory manages to excel in both her demanding healthcare career and her athletic pursuits. Join us in supporting Tory’s continuous success in every aspect of her life!
Jacob Breinholt
Meet Jacob — one of our very own, a PCC at Summit. We’re thrilled to celebrate his next big step as he heads to Medical School at the Mayo Clinic. Jacob’s innovative approach to holistic patient care sets him apart, and we are grateful for what he has given during his time with us. Wishing you all the best, Jacob!
Ron Mortensen
Meet Ron — a lifelong educator and passionate globe-trotter. Having journeyed across continents for study, teaching, and exploration, Ron faced an unexpected hurdle just months before his well-deserved retirement: a series of critical surgeries. Thanks to the expert care from Dr. Pitts, Ron not only recovered but also reclaimed his adventurous spirit. Celebrating his new beginning, Ron embarked on a dream trip to the Maldives, fully embracing the freedom to walk, move, and explore, just as he always had. Here’s to more miles and smiles, Ron!
Parley Hill
Meet Parley. After years of suffering and dependency on medication, a total hip replacement offered him a new lease on life. Watch how addressing long-ignored hip pain transformed Parley’s everyday activities into pain-free experiences, underscoring the life-changing power of medical intervention and self-advocacy.
Nalany Walfield
Meet Nalany — critical care tech, outdoor enthusiast, and daughter. At 28 years old, she needed a discectomy. Not being able to move and enjoy life was not an option for her, and one day post op, she was already back out hiking. Why? Because she felt good enough to do it! Nothing is going to stop this girl, and we are lucky to know her.
Becky Manwaring
Meet Becky — survivor of a terrible car crash. After 6 years of trying to find a solution for her pain, she was able to have a fusion. After 2 months, she is finally getting her life back. Being a mother, enjoying her children, going on adventures, and getting back to day to day life rituals that make her life full, Becky shows us that pain is never the solution. Thank you Becky.
Court McGee
Meet Court, a professional MMA competitor since 2007. Court still has one contracted fight with the MMA, but at one point thought he would never fight again. With his career on the line, Court trusted himself and surrounded himself with people that care.
Joshua Pinson
Joshua received his BS in Nursing from Utah Valley University, graduating summa cum laude. As a registered nurse he provided care for medical, surgical, and orthopedic patients for six years. He attended Brigham Young University, where he received a master’s degree in Nursing, as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Carson Call
We have been so lucky at Summit to have a PCC as bright and engaged as Carson Call. Recently admitted to Rocky Mountain University to continue his education as a Physician Assistant, Carson tells his story of what it has been like to be a PCC, his advice to those who will come after him, and describes how he wants to spend his life taking care of the people around him.
Peter Sundwall
For over 20 years, Dr. Peter Sundwall has been a pillar in his community, serving as a devoted family doctor at Sundwall Family Medicine. Behind his compassionate care, however, was a personal battle with pain that spanned two decades. Taking a leap of faith with Dr. Pitts and Summit Orthopedics, Dr. Sundwall found his way back to health. Just days after undergoing robotic surgery, he was not only back at work but also rediscovering the joys of tennis, motorcycle rides, and drumming—the very passions that pain had once stolen from him. Dr. Sundwall’s journey is a testament to resilience, the power of advanced medicine, and Dr. Sundwall’s commitment to both his own recovery and the well-being of his community.
Sawyer and Katey
At Summit, Sawyer blends his passion for dance with his medical insights as a PCC and pre-med student. Together with his wife and dance partner, Katey, they explore the power of mindful movements to not only enhance physical flexibility and motion but to escape the daily grind. Every step they take on the dance floor helps them focus on the present—connecting deeply with each other and their movements. Join them in discovering how dance can clear the mind and strengthen the body
Verla Richardson
Meet Verla an everyday kind of gal from Elkridge, Utah — and knows the meaning of persistence. For 30 years, she struggled with back pain, a result of numerous surgeries, the toil of her strenuous career, and the simple act of caring for a bustling family. Despite the years of back pain, she never let it dim her spirit. A passionate hairdresser turned dedicated Albertsons employee for 23 years, Verla’s life changed with a spinal cord stimulator procedure recommended by Dr. Brian Anderson. Now, with pain no longer holding her back, she’s embracing retirement, enjoying walks and playtime with her grandkids.
Dean Judd
Meet Dean — A wonderful community member, owner of Gurus in Provo, and an avid yoga practitioner and teacher for over a decade, Dean found himself struggling with severe back pain. After years of adapting his yoga to avoid back the pain, Dean faced a tough decision when the pain returned: undergo a microdiscectomy with Dr. John Edwards.
Paul Fiso
Meet Paul, our resident Plant Nerd. His love of plants translated to building his own landscaping company. However over the years, Paul injured his shoulder. By the time he made his way to Dr. Gary Edwards at Summit, Paul had already had 5 rotator cuff repairs.
During his treatment at Summit, Paul’s father passed away. We were grateful to support Paul during this crucial time, and always want to remember that the best medicine is understanding and care.
Steven Collins
Meet Steven, a 34-year-old competitive cyclist from Fruit Heights, Utah. Seven years ago, on Thanksgiving Day, Steven’s life took a turn when he experienced severe back pain during a weightlifting competition. This marked the beginning of a long journey battling back issues, leading to a crucial surgery.
Despite being told he might never be pain-free, Steven remained optimistic. His surgery, performed by Dr. John Edwards, exceeded expectations, allowing him to get his life back. His recovery, now 3.5 months in, shows significant improvement.
The most heartwarming part? Steven, once unable to participate in activities with his daughter, recently achieved a milestone by doing a handstand with her. A testament to his spirit and the medical team’s expertise, Steven’s story is one of triumph over adversity.
Verla's Journey Back to Life
Verla, an everyday kind of gal from Elkridge, Utah, knows the meaning of persistence. For 30 years, she struggled with back pain, a result of numerous surgeries, the toil of her strenuous career, and the simple act of caring for a bustling family. ..
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How A Toothache Led To Life-Saving Surgery
Carden Reynolds lay incapacitated on the floor. The pain came in waves from 30 to 60 minutes. Yet a few weeks later, his episodes began lasting 2 hours, 4 hours, and then 5 hours at a time. He never expected he’d ever consider suicide. But the pain was so excruciating, he didn’t know what else to do.
And it all began with a toothache.
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How Robotics Cured Years of Torturous Pain, Giving Michael His Life Back
As Michael McCarther moved a heavy couch, it slipped from his grip. He hurried to catch it before it crashed to the ground. As he did, a white-hot flame of fiery pain shot up his back. From that point on, everything was different in his life. As a result, sometimes he couldn’t move at all for up to 30 minutes. And he had to use a walking stick for years and was constantly hunched over afterward, even though he was still a relatively young man.
It all began 30 years before during a routine soccer game.
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Relief After a 7-year Battle
The morning Carole Church of Fairview, Utah arrived at the hospital for her double mastectomy due to breast cancer, she couldn’t fathom why her hip hurt so bad. Lying in bed recovering after surgery she thought, “Why would I have so much pain in my hip after a breast cancer procedure?”
Unfortunately, this was just the beginning of her 7-year battle.
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Scary Car Accident Surgery Becomes A Great Experience
After her car accident, Dena Hymas expected some lingering symptoms. But months of ringing in the ears, severe numbness in the hands, double vision, balance issues, and even loss of cognitive functions like spelling, math, and multitasking seemed like a lot more than “normal” car accident issues.
Little did she know that portions of her brain began slipping dangerously into her spinal column.
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Fit Former Gymnast Saved From Terrible Back Pain Recovers from Surgery Without Narcotics
As fit and healthy as she was, Melanie Lee never thought she’d have debilitating back pain. But when she woke up one morning with pain inexplicably shooting through her lower back and down her legs, she realized just how awful severe back pain could be.
Once the pain became so bad that she couldn’t even bend down to put her own socks on, she knew something was very wrong.
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Sometimes all the stars align.
Bryan was in excruciating pain from a fall he had while playing tennis. He was told it would take several weeks before artificial disc replacement surgery could be performed, but then he received a call from Dr. John Edwards. Bryan couldn’t believe how the stars had aligned for him.
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Mission accomplished.
Stephen and his wife were serving a Church mission at the Naval Academy in Maryland when he developed severe back pain, caused by a cyst putting pressure on a nerve root. After researching his options, Stephen chose to come to Utah so Dr. John Edwards could remove the cyst. Within two weeks, he was back in Maryland to complete his mission.
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Just two more footsteps.
When Keaton dove off the end of a pier head first, he didn’t know the water was only 18 inches deep. He lay in the water, face down, unable to move. Thanks to the help of his girlfriend, his mom, and his doctor, Keaton got the help he needed.
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Life changing moment.
Beth has always known that life can change in an instant, but like most people, she never expected it to be her own. One day she was gardening, canning, and planning an outing with her grandchildren, and the next, she was being life-flighted to the hospital.
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Jessica Gets Her Life Back
Jessica fought through back pain for years, which curtailed her favorite activities…until she finally called Dr. Andrea Brock for help.
Now standing 1.5 inches taller post-surgery, Jessica is thrilled with the outcome. She marvels at feeling her legs again and living without pain. In expressing her gratitude to Summit she commented, “Dr. Brock is confident and calm and made me feel confident and calm too. She’s amazing and I owe my life to her!”
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More grateful than ever.
Sydney was injured in a tubing accident. She required emergency surgery. 22 years old and newly married, she wondered what the rest of her life might be like.
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Jessica Gets Her Life Back
Jessica fought through back pain for years, which curtailed her favorite activities…until she finally called Dr. Andrea Brock for help.
Now standing 1.5 inches taller post-surgery, Jessica is thrilled with the outcome. She marvels at feeling her legs again and living without pain. In expressing her gratitude to Summit she commented, “Dr. Brock is confident and calm and made me feel confident and calm too. She’s amazing and I owe my life to her!”
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Back to the great outdoors.
Darren had lived with back pain since he was eleven years old. He tolerated the soreness, but as the years went by, the pain increased and kept him from doing his favorite activities more and more. Then one day the pain was so bad, he had to call a neighbor to help him, and the neighbor referred him to a friend named Shea. A nurse practitioner at Summit Brain and Spine.
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Jessica Gets Her Life Back
Jessica fought through back pain for years, which curtailed her favorite activities…until she finally called Dr. Andrea Brock for help.
Now standing 1.5 inches taller post-surgery, Jessica is thrilled with the outcome. She marvels at feeling her legs again and living without pain. In expressing her gratitude to Summit she commented, “Dr. Brock is confident and calm and made me feel confident and calm too. She’s amazing and I owe my life to her!”
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In the right hands.
A back injury that happened when Wanda was young led to two rods being placed in her back. But eventually, she began to have terrible back pain, and daily headaches. When she was referred to Dr. Edwards, she knew she was ini the right hands.
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Ready to ride again.
Every summer for years, Jackson put in nearly 2500 miles on his bike. Until he couldn’t.
A back injury from a snowboarding accident seven years ago just got worse and worse, until he couldn’t even sit on the floor and play with his son.
He put off surgery as long as possible, but in the end, it was his best option. And now he’s ready to ride again.
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Love after brain tumor.
Brent was unmarried and spending all his time sleeping at his parents’ house. Not his usual lifestyle, but he just couldn’t see how he’d changed. Turns out he had a massive, 10-centimeter tumor. He says his successful diagnosis and surgery led him to his wife.
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True collaboration. Life changing results.
Emy was having pain every day, every moment, all the time. Ordinary tasks that are part of a normal day as a mom, were almost impossible. Multiple doctors, and as many treatment plans, and still nothing was getting her better. Then, she met with Dr. John Edwards, who had her visit a trauma chiropractor, Dr. Eric Lee. Working collaboratively, Dr. Edwards and Dr. Lee found the root issue, operated on the right problem, and 24 days later, Emy said, “For the first time in months, I don’t have any pain. I have my life back.
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Mom. Hunter. Brain bleed survivor.
Lindsay, mom of three, didn’t know she had a very rare condition called moyamoya disease. Until she had a brain bleed from it. Dr. Edwards saved her life by performing minimally invasive surgery on her brain to clear the blood clot and get her back to her family.
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Still serving.
LaVerne loves community, her job, her family and staying active but struggled with increasingly debilitating back pain, despite trying various forms of physical therapy and injections. The pain persisted, and eventually she couldn’t drive her car because her hands would go numb. Her time with Dr. Edwards changed everything. He performed a minimally invasive surgery to remove what turned out to be bone spurs, and fused all three affected discs. He also repaired multiple levels of arthritis in her neck. Now she continues serving the family and community she loves.
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Back on her feet.
Gayle had spinal stenosis that was so debilitating she was in a wheel chair on her trip to Rome. But after she was treated by Dr. Edwards, who specializes in spinal stenosis, Gayle was soon back to her very active lifestyle on her own two feet.
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Traveling together.
Rick and Nancy Newton love to travel. But they both had severe health concerns that threatened to stop them in their tracks. Rick woke up with back pain he’d never had before. And Nancy started to lose significant peripheral vision in her right eye. They both visited with Dr. Edwards and discovered the root causes in both cases. Rick had a bone spur and a bulging disc. Nancy had a tumor on her pituitary gland. Dr. Edwards scheduled them both for surgery and they both made full recoveries. They’re back to living their lives and seeing the world.
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Everyday life returned.
Scott Pinckney was a pro-golfer rising through the ranks when his low back pain halted everything. Injections weren’t working, so he went looking for a solution to the root cause. He found Dr. Edwards, who repaired an endplate fracture at the L-5. After months of stiffness and chronic pain, it took only five days of recovery for him to feel normal again.
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